Aspergers Syndrome For Dummies

Discover how to survive and thrive with Asperger′s Syndrome Asperger′s Syndrome (or AS) is a condition on the autism spectrum that affects how someone makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. This definitive guide explains how to live with Asperger′s on a day–to–day basis, covering everything from coping with social interaction to dealing with specific learning difficulties associated with AS. Whether you live with Asperger′s yourself or want to support someone who does, this book will give you the facts you need to make the best choices every step of the way. Get the facts at your fingertips – find out about the causes and characteristics of Asperger′s Syndrome and uncover the pros and cons of formal diagnosis Live well – reassuring advice on how to enjoy everyday life, from getting the most out of education and the workplace to living independently Support people you know – get tips on living and working with people with AS and learn how to parent children, teenagers and adults with the condition Keep the balance – discover how diet, therapies and lifestyle options all play into the management of Asperger′s, and choose the options that work best for you Open the book and find: The ins and outs of diagnosing Asperger′s Syndrome Advice on coping with conditions affiliated with AS, from anxiety and depression to OCD How to cope with sensory issues at home and at work Advice on finding the right school environment The facts about autism rights The best organisations for advice and support A glossary of Asperger′s terminology Learn to: Identify the characteristics of Asperger′s Syndrome Live well with the condition Parent a child who has Asperger′s or support someone you know

Introduction 1 Part I: Understanding Asperger′s Syndrome 9 Chapter 1: Introducing Asperger′s Syndrome 11 Chapter 2: Discovering the Causes of Asperger′s Syndrome 23 Chapter 3: Diagnosing Asperger′s Syndrome 35 Chapter 4: Discovering Additional Diagnoses in Asperger′s Syndrome 59 Chapter 5: Understanding Asperger′s Syndrome in Women 81 Part II: Living with Asperger′s Syndrome 99 Chapter 6: Enjoying Life with Asperger′s Syndrome 101 Chapter 7: Getting the Most Out of Education and the Workplace 121 Chapter 8: Finding Independence and Advocating for Your Rights 133 Part III: Supporting People with Asperger′s Syndrome 147 Chapter 9: Parenting Children Who Have Asperger′s Syndrome 149 Chapter 10: Parenting During School, College and Adult Life 173 Chapter 11: Relating to People Who Have Asperger′s Syndrome 195 Chapter 12: Sussing Out Sensory Difficulties 219 Part IV: Discovering Therapies, Medication and Diet for Asperger′s Syndrome235 Chapter 13: Navigating Behavioural Therapies 237 Chapter 14: Understanding Medication and Medical Procedures 259 Chapter 15: Digesting Diet 269 Part V: The Part of Tens 281 Chapter 16: Ten (Or So) Sources of Support and Information on Asperger′s Syndrome 283 Chapter 17: Ten Positives about Living with Asperger′s Syndrome 293 Chapter 18: Ten Famous People (Some Fictional) Who May Have Had Asperger′s Syndrome 299 Appendix A: A List of Books You Might Like to Read (And Some Discs) 311 Appendix B: Glossary 319 Index 331

Gina Gomez de la Cuesta , PhD is Action Research Leader for The National Autistic Society (NAS). She has worked in the field of autism for six years and completed her PhD at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. James Mason , otherwise known as the Goth, has high–functioning autism. He is the editor of Asperger United magazine, published by the NAS, which is written by and for people on the autism spectrum.